US10040384B2 - Twist-lock articulating assist mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

An assist mechanism, attachable to a frame, includes an assist bezel and an assist handle. The assist bezel has a clip attachable to the frame. A first arm and a second arm extend from the clip. A first hub is formed on the first arm and second hub is formed on the second arm. A twist-lock housing is defined in the assist handle, and includes a first receptacle configured to retain the first hub and a second receptacle configured to retain the second hub. The first hub of the assist bezel enters the first receptacle via a first ramp and the second hub enters the second receptacle via a second ramp. The assist handle is rotatable about the assist bezel between a plurality of positions.

Description

INTRODUCTION

This disclosure generally relates to assist mechanisms, assist handles, or grab handles, such as those used in motor vehicles and other transportation means such as airplanes, buses and trains. The assist mechanisms are usable as grab handles for assisting egress and ingress, and may be fully or partially retractable when not in use.

SUMMARY

An assist mechanism is provided. The assist mechanism is attachable to a frame, and includes at least one assist bezel and an assist handle.

The assist bezel has a clip configured to attach to the frame. A first arm extends from the clip and a first hub is formed on the first arm. A second arm also extends from the clip and a second hub is formed on the second arm.

The assist handle has a twist-lock housing defined therein. The twist-lock housing includes a first receptacle configured to retain the first hub of the assist bezel and a second receptacle configured to retain the second hub of the assist bezel. A first ramp is defined adjacent to the first receptacle, such that the first hub of the assist bezel enters the first receptacle via the first ramp, and a second ramp is defined adjacent to the second receptacle, such that the second hub enters the second receptacle via the second ramp.

The first hub and the second hub of the assist bezel pivot within the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the assist handle, such that the assist handle is rotatable about the assist bezel between a plurality of positions. In some configurations, the assist bezel is a one-piece element and the assist handle is a one-piece element. Configurations may also include one of a spring and a damper disposed in a gap defined between the first arm and the second arm of the assist bezel.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present subject matter are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosed structures, methods, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an assist mechanism, such as may be used within vehicles, with an assist handle shown in a closed or stowed position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of the assist mechanism ofFIG. 1, with the assist handle shown in an open or deployed position, and illustrating a pair of handle bezels or hinges usable to attach the assist handle to a vehicle or other structure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a twist-lock housing formed in the assist handle, showing a first side having a first ramp.

FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of the twist-lock housing formed in the assist handle, showing the first side also having a second, covered ramp.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of one of the handle bezels, which holds the handle to portions of the vehicle or other structure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of the handle bezel being assembled to the twist-lock housing of the assist handle, and shown at an intermediate position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of the handle bezel being assembled to the twist-lock housing of the assist handle, and shown at a finishing position.

FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of a second side of the interface of the handle bezel and the assist handle, shown with a spring or biasing member attached between with the handle bezel and the assist handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components whenever possible throughout the several figures. There is shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 a schematic isometric view of anassist mechanism10, such as may be associated with a vehicle (not shown).

Theassist mechanism10 is shown in a closed or stowed position inFIG. 1, and is shown in an open or deployed position inFIG. 2. Theassist mechanism10 attachable to aframe12 of the vehicle. Theframe12 is illustrated schematically in phantom lines.

The associated vehicle, and any components incorporated therewith, may be representative of numerous types of vehicles, including planes, trains, automobiles, or any other rolling or movable platform. Additionally, heavy industrial, construction, and mining equipment may incorporate features of theassist mechanism10 described herein. Theassist mechanism10 may also be incorporated into other structures, such as within residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. For example, theassist mechanism10 may be useful to improve ergonomics of office or food service environments, such as by improving egress and ingress from office chairs or restaurant seating.

While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.

Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, theassist mechanism10 is attachable to theframe12 with a first assist base orbezel14 and a second assist base orbezel16. An assist bar orassist handle18 is rotatably attached to thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16, and rotates between a plurality of positions relative to thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16, including at least the stowed position shown inFIG. 1 and the deployed position shown inFIG. 2. Therefore, theassist handle18 is also rotatable or movable relative to theframe12.

In many configurations, theframe12 to which theassist mechanism10 is attached will have additional features or structures, such as padding or upholstery surrounding theframe12 and abutting thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16. However, theframe12 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated on schematically. Where theassist mechanism10 is incorporated into a vehicle, theframe12 may be a portion of the roof above one of the doors of the vehicle, such as between the A-pillar and B-pillar or between the B-pillar and C-pillar.

Abar20 spans between thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16 and may generally be used to provide support for passengers or operators of the vehicle into which theassist mechanism10 is incorporated. Thebar20 of theassist handle18 has afirst end22, to which thefirst assist bezel14 is operatively attached, and asecond end24, to which thesecond assist bezel16 is operatively attached. Individual portions of thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16 may be referred to or identified as first and second.

Referring now toFIGS. 3-5, and with continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown views of the components of theassist mechanism10.FIG. 3 shows one angle or viewpoint of thefirst end22 of thebar20;FIG. 4 shows another angle or viewpoint of thefirst end22 of thebar20; andFIG. 5 shows a front view of the first assist bezel14 (or the second assist bezel16).

As partially illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, and in other figures, thebar20 of theassist handle18 has a first twist-lock housing26 and a second twist-lock housing28 (best viewed inFIGS. 2 and 8) defined therein. The first twist-lock housing26 is viewable from one side inFIG. 3 and is viewable from another side inFIG. 4.

The description herein largely focuses on the first twist-lock housing26, as the second twist-lock housing28 shown is substantially similar to the first twist-lock housing26. Note, however, that other configurations may have different features on the first twist-lock housing26 and the second twist-lock housing28, and that (as best viewed inFIG. 8) the second twist-lock housing28 is mirrored relative to the first twist-lock housing26.

As best viewed inFIG. 3, the first twist-lock housing26 of thebar20 includes afirst receptacle31 and afirst ramp33 defined adjacent to thefirst receptacle31. As best viewed inFIG. 4, the first twist-lock housing26 of thebar20 also includes asecond receptacle32 and asecond ramp34 defined adjacent to thesecond receptacle32.

As will be explained herein, relative toFIGS. 6 and 7, thefirst receptacle31 and thefirst ramp33, and thesecond receptacle32 and thesecond ramp34, cooperate to receive thefirst assist bezel14 via a twist assembly process. Thefirst assist bezel14 is initially inserted into thefirst receptacle31 via thefirst ramp33, and then into thesecond receptacle32 via thesecond ramp34. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the first twist-lock housing26 also includes aramp cover36, which limits access to thesecond ramp34, such that thefirst assist bezel14 is first placed into thefirst receptacle31.

As shown inFIG. 5, thefirst assist bezel14 includes a foot orfoundation40 and aclip42 extending from thefoundation40. Theclip42 is configured to attach to theframe12. Thefoundation40 may be flush with upholstery or padding attached to theframe12, such that a portion of the foundation is viewable to occupants of the vehicle, but theclip42 is not.

In many configurations, thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16 may be very similar, if not substantially identical, or may be mirror versions of each other. Therefore, only thefirst assist bezel14 is shown inFIG. 5, and although the description herein largely refers to thefirst assist bezel14, it applies with equal weight to thesecond assist bezel16.

Theclip42 shown in illustrative only, and may include other fastener components or elements, such as springs or retaining members. Theclip42 and thefoundation40 may be considered that same element, as both provide support structure and attachment structure between thefirst assist bezel14 and theframe12.

Afirst arm51 extends from thefoundation40, generally in the opposite direction from theclip42. Similarly, asecond arm52 extends from thefoundation40 or theclip42. Afirst hub53 is formed on thefirst arm51, and asecond hub54 is formed on thesecond arm52.

A space orgap56 is defined between thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 of thefirst assist bezel14. As shown inFIG. 5, thefirst hub53 and thesecond hub54 extend from opposite sides of thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52. Therefore, thegap56 is defined inside of thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52, and thefirst hub53 and thesecond hub54 are defined outside of thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52. Attachment of thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 to thefoundation40—the arms are cantilevered therefrom—provides some spring force against movement of thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 inward.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-5, there are shown additional views of portions of theassist mechanism10.FIG. 6 shows thefirst handle bezel14 during an intermediate position of assembly to the first twist-lock housing26 of theassist handle18.FIG. 7 shows thefirst handle bezel14 during a substantially final position of assembly to the first twist-lock housing26 of theassist handle18.

As shown inFIG. 7, thefirst receptacle31 of the first twist-lock housing26 is configured to retain thefirst hub53 of thefirst assist bezel14. Thefirst ramp33 is configured to direct thefirst hub53 into thefirst receptacle31, such that thefirst hub53 enters thefirst receptacle31 via thefirst ramp33. This is an initial assembly step or position for joining or mating thefirst assist bezel14 to thefirst end22 of theassist handle18.

As shown inFIG. 3 andFIG. 6, thefirst hub53 enters the first twist-lock housing26 generally from above (as viewed in the figures). Thefirst ramp33 directs thefirst hub53, and thefirst arm51, toward thefirst receptacle31. Thefirst hub53 fits within thefirst receptacle31, such that thefirst assist bezel14 is loosely held within thefirst receptacle31 of the first twist-lock housing26.

As shown inFIG. 4 andFIG. 7, thesecond hub54 enters thesecond receptacle32 of the first twist-lock housing26 generally from the side, as thefirst assist bezel14 swings about thefirst hub53 and thefirst receptacle31. Thesecond receptacle32 is configured to retain thesecond hub54 of thefirst assist bezel14, which enters thesecond receptacle32 via thesecond ramp34. Thesecond ramp34 has less freedom of movement than thefirst ramp33, and has a greater angle, relative to vertical, than thefirst ramp33. Theramp cover36 prevents entry of thesecond hub54 from above.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, thefirst hub53 is inserted into thefirst ramp33 and thefirst receptacle31, as an initial step, before thesecond hub54 is inserted into thesecond ramp34 and thesecond receptacle34. Thesecond arm52 is then able to swing or twist toward thesecond ramp34 to move thesecond hub54 into thesecond receptacle34.

Thefirst hub53 and thesecond hub54 are held within thefirst receptacle31 and thesecond receptacle33 by spring or biasing force caused by attachment of thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 to thefoundation40. Some flexure may occur between thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 as thefirst assist bezel14 is assembled to the assist handle18 via the twisting motion. However, the configuration shown requires less inward force than non-twist structures or configurations, such as those in which both arms are simultaneously flexed for assembly.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, thefirst hub53 and thesecond hub54 pivot within thefirst receptacle31 and thesecond receptacle32. Therefore, the assist handle18 is rotatable about thefirst assist bezel14—and, similarly, about thesecond assist bezel16—between the plurality of positions.

In the configuration of theassist mechanism10 illustrated in the figures, thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16 are each formed as one-piece unitary components or elements. Similarly, the assist handle18 is formed as a one-piece element or structure. One-piece components are formed as a single piece, as opposed to multiple pieces that are subsequently assembled together. Therefore, among other benefits, the opportunity for part errors or stacked variance problems may be reduced relative to multi-piece components. Additionally, the one-piece nature of thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16 may provide additional strength to thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52, and their connections to thefoundation40.

Referring now toFIG. 8, and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-7, there is shown an additional view of a portion of theassist mechanism10.FIG. 8 shows thesecond assist bezel16 and the second twist-lock housing28 at thesecond end24 of theassist handle18.

Attachment or assembly of thesecond assist bezel16 to the second twist-lock housing28 is substantially similar to the twist operation illustrated schematically inFIGS. 6 and 7 relative to thefirst assist bezel14 to the first twist-lock housing26. However, as shown by the structures illustrated inFIG. 8, the twist motion is somewhat opposite that of thefirst assist bezel14, as thefirst ramp33 of the second twist-lock housing28 faces leftward, as viewed inFIG. 8.

In many configurations, thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16 may be very similar, if not substantially identical. Therefore, only thefirst assist bezel14 is shown inFIG. 5, and although the description herein largely refers to thefirst assist bezel14, it applies with equal weight to thesecond assist bezel16.

Note that thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52, as well as thefirst hub53 and thesecond hub54, of thesecond assist bezel16 may also be referred to as third and fourth elements, respectively. Similarly, thefirst receptacle31 and thesecond receptacle32, as well as thefirst ramp33 and thesecond ramp34, of the second twist-lock housing28 may also be referred to as third and fourth elements, respectively

As illustrated inFIG. 8, theassist mechanism10 may include one of aspring60 and a damper (not shown) disposed in the space orgap56 defined between thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 of either thesecond assist bezel16 or thefirst assist bezel14. In the configuration partially illustrated inFIG. 8, thesecond assist bezel16 has thespring60 disposed between itsfirst arm51 and thesecond arm52, and the first assist bezel14 (not shown) has the damper disposed between itsfirst arm51 and thesecond arm52.

Thespring60 provides retraction force to bring the assist handle18 from the deployed position (shown inFIG. 2) back to the stowed position (shown inFIG. 1). The damper limits the speed with which thespring60 can retract the assist handle18 relative to thesecond assist bezel16, such that thebar20 does not aggressively move toward the frame or attached components. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, thespring60 and the damper may be hidden within covers or shielding components.

Additionally, thespring60 and the damper bias thefirst arm51 and thesecond arm52 away from one another. Therefore, thespring60 and the damper spread thegap56 and assist in retaining thefirst hub53 and thesecond hub54 within thefirst receptacle31 and thesecond receptacle32, which helps retain the assist handle18 to thefirst assist bezel14 and thesecond assist bezel16.

The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the subject matter discussed herein. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist.

Claims (10)

The invention claimed is:

1. An assist mechanism attachable to a frame, comprising:

an assist bezel, having:

a clip configured to attach to the frame;

a first arm extending from the clip;

a first hub formed on the first arm;

a second arm extending from the clip; and

a second hub formed on the second arm; and

an assist handle having a twist-lock housing defined therein, the twist-lock housing including:

a first receptacle configured to retain the first hub of the assist bezel;

a first ramp defined adjacent to the first receptacle, such that the first hub of the assist bezel enters the first receptacle via the first ramp;

a second receptacle configured to retain the second hub of the assist bezel;

a second ramp defined adjacent to the second receptacle, such that the second hub enters the second receptacle via the second ramp; and

a ramp cover limiting access to the second ramp of the twist-lock housing, wherein the first ramp does not include any ramp cover,

wherein the assist handle is configured such that attachment of the assist bezel to the twist-lock housing must occur by first inserting the first hub of the assist bezel into the first receptacle of the twist-lock housing and then inserting the second hub of the assist bezel into the second receptacle of the twist-lock housing, and

wherein the first hub and the second hub of the assist bezel pivot within the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the assist handle, such that the assist handle is rotatable about the assist bezel between a plurality of positions.

2. The assist mechanismclaim 1, wherein a gap is defined between the first arm and the second arm of the assist bezel.

3. The assist mechanism ofclaim 2, wherein the first hub and the second hub extend from opposite sides of the first arm and the second arm, such that the gap is defined inside of the first arm and the second arm and the first hub and the second hub are defined outside of the first arm and the second arm.

4. The assist mechanism ofclaim 3, wherein the assist bezel is a one-piece element and the assist handle is a one-piece element.

5. The assist mechanism ofclaim 4, further comprising:

one of a spring and a damper disposed in the gap defined between the first arm and the second arm of the assist bezel.

6. The assist mechanism ofclaim 5, wherein the one of the spring and the damper biases the first arm and the second arm away from one another.

7. An assist mechanism attachable to a frame, comprising:

an assist bezel, having:

a clip configured to attach the assist bezel to the frame;

a first arm extending from the clip;

a first hub formed on the first arm;

a second arm extending from the clip; and

a second hub formed on the second arm; and

an assist bar having a first side and a second side, wherein a twist-lock housing is defined in the first side of the assist bar, the twist-lock housing including:

a first receptacle configured to retain the first hub of the assist bezel;

a first ramp defined adjacent to the first receptacle, such that the first hub of the assist bezel enters the first receptacle via the first ramp;

a second receptacle configured to retain the second hub of the assist bezel;

a second ramp defined adjacent to the second receptacle, such that the second hub enters the second receptacle via the second ramp; and

a ramp cover limiting access to the second ramp of the twist-lock housing, wherein the first ramp does not include a ramp cover, such that the second hub of the assist bezel must enter the second receptacle after the first hub of the assist bezel enters the first receptacle,

wherein the first hub and the second hub pivot within the first receptacle and the second receptacle, such that the assist bar is rotatable about the assist bezel between at least a deployed position and a stowed position, in which a portion of the assist bar is nearer the frame than in the deployed position.

8. The assist mechanism ofclaim 7, further comprising:

one of a spring and a damper disposed in the gap defined between the first arm and the second arm of the assist bezel, wherein the one of the spring and the damper biases the first arm and the second arm away from one another.

9. An assist mechanism attachable to a frame of a vehicle, comprising:

a first assist bezel, having:

a first clip configured to attach the first assist bezel to the frame;

a first arm extending from the clip;

a first hub formed on the first arm;

a second arm extending from the clip; and

a second hub formed on the second arm;

a second assist bezel, having:

a second clip configured to attach the second assist bezel to the frame;

a third arm extending from the second clip;

a third hub formed on the third arm;

a fourth arm extending from the second clip; and

a fourth hub formed on the fourth arm; and

an assist bar having a first side and a second side, wherein a first twist-lock housing is defined on the first side of the assist bar and a second twist-lock housing is defined on the second side of the assist bar,

the first twist-lock housing including:

a first receptacle configured to retain the first hub of the first assist bezel;

a first ramp defined adjacent to the first receptacle;

a second receptacle configured to retain the second hub of the first assist bezel;

a second ramp defined adjacent to the second receptacle; and

a first ramp cover limiting access to the second ramp of the first twist-lock housing, wherein the first ramp of the first twist-lock housing does not include any ramp cover,

the second twist-lock housing including:

a third receptacle configured to retain the third hub of the second assist bezel;

a third ramp defined adjacent to the third receptacle;

a fourth receptacle configured to retain the fourth hub of the second assist bezel;

a fourth ramp defined adjacent to the fourth receptacle;

a second ramp cover limiting access to the fourth ramp of the second twist-lock housing, wherein the third ramp of the second twist-lock housing does not include any ramp cover, and

wherein the first hub and the second hub of the first assist bezel are pivotable within the first receptacle and the second receptacle, and the third hub and the fourth hub of the second assist bezel are pivotable within the third receptacle and the fourth receptacle, such that the assist bar is rotatable about the first assist bezel and the second assist between at least a deployed position and a stowed position, in which a portion of the bar of the assist bar is nearer the frame than in the deployed position, and

wherein the second hub of the first assist bezel must enter the second receptacle after the first hub of the first assist bezel enters the first receptacle of the first twist-lock housing, and the fourth hub of the second assist bezel must enter the fourth receptacle after the third hub of the second assist bezel enters the third receptacle of the second twist-lock housing.

10. The assist mechanism ofclaim 9, further comprising:

a spring disposed in a gap defined between the first arm and the second arm of the first assist bezel, wherein the spring biases the first arm and the second arm away from one another; and

a damper disposed in a gap defined between the third arm and the fourth arm of the second assist bezel, wherein the damper biases the third arm and the fourth arm away from one another.

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